St Vincents’ first-class nursing training program, ASPIRE, took out first place in the People in Culture category, while Erin Hartwell, Senior Clinical Governance Officer, was announced as the Emerging Leader in Aged Care Industry winner.

St Vincent’s Care’s CEO, Lincoln Hopper, said that with the recent significant policy changes in aged care, it was thrilling to see St Vincent’s ahead of the curve in optimising its aged care environment.  

“The growth and influential impact of our team comes down to one thing: creating an environment where employees are recognised and cared for,” said Lincoln.  

St Vincents’ own emerging leader, Erin Hartwell, said her growth came down to working with an organisation that sincerely valued its employees.  

“Being a leader means recognising the importance of what you are doing, as well as recognising all people – residents and colleagues alike – must be heard and genuinely cared about,” says Erin.  

Award winner and Senior Clinical Governance Officer, Erin Hartwell

 “A good leader must understand how to love and appreciate the team you work in as well as your broader group of colleagues.  

“The leaders that I have loved the most are the ones who have seen me as an individual and recognised what my needs are in order to thrive.” 

Nicole Devlin, Queensland State Manager at St Vincent’s Care, is the established leader and mastermind behind the organisation’s award-winning ASPIRE Program.  

“It's incumbent on us to share our wisdom and provide our support to the next generation of Australian nurses,” says Nicole. 

ASPIRE brainchild and organiser, Nicole Devlin

 “It’s wonderful to see a group of ASPIRE graduates – who were so well mentored and supported at our facilities – had the confidence to volunteer to work at aged care facilities in other states at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

Lincoln Hopper said that St Vincent's Care would continue to lead the way in developing and supporting emerging and established leaders.  

“Aged care is an ever-changing industry, and as we work to exceed the expectations of our residents and the requirements set out by our governing bodies. We must train and acknowledge our leadership talent to grow our industry,” says Lincoln.